BJP expels 2 crossover MLAs for 6yrs
This marks BJP's major disciplinary after expelling former Union minister and Bijapur MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal in March. He was removed from the party for six years on charges of indiscipline and launching attacks against the family of former CM BS Yediyurappa and his son BY Vijayendra, who is state BJP president.
The expulsion is seen as a message from the BJP central leadership to assert control and discipline within the party, especially as it prepares for local electoral battles and 2028 assembly polls.
Somashekar, MLA from Yeshwanthpur in Bengaluru, and Hebbar, MLA from Yellapur in Uttara Kannada, were among the 14 Congress defectors who joined BJP in 2019. Their defection played a key role in toppling the HD Kumaraswamy-led Congress-JD(S) coalition govt. Both Somashekar and Hebbar were rewarded with ministerial berths in the cabinets of BS Yediyurappa and his successor, Basavaraj Bommai.
After BJP lost the 2023 assembly elections, the two legislators had started aligning openly with Congress.
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They attended Congress legislature party meetings, didn't participate in BJP-led protests in the assembly, and voted against official BJP candidates during elections to the Rajya Sabha and legislative council.
While the state BJP ignored these actions, internal pressure mounted after senior leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal criticised the leadership for targeting him with disciplinary notices while sparing Somashekar and Hebbar.
The central disciplinary committee eventually issued show-cause notices to both MLAs, who responded in writing but their action didn't match their words.
"These two MLAs had been given sufficient time to rectify their behaviour," BJP state president BY Vijayendra said. "The state unit appealed to the high command to take action in the interest of strengthening the party, especially with elections to local bodies and the Greater Bengaluru civic body around the corner," he added.
Brief Profiles:
S T Somashekar (Age: 66)
Political Career: Three-time MLA from Yeshwanthpur; began in Congress, joined BJP in 2019.
Past Roles: Former chairman of Bangalore Development Authority; served as Karnataka's Cooperation Minister under BJP governments (Yediyurappa and Bommai).
Elections: Lost from Uttarahalli in 2004 and Yeshwanthpur in 2008 (Congress); won in 2013 and 2018; re-elected in 2019 bypoll and 2023 (BJP).
Recent Moves: Cross-voted for Congress in 2024 Rajya Sabha polls; close to CM Siddaramaiah and DyCM D K Shivakumar; speculated to be returning to Congress.
Assets (2023): Rs 27 crore
Profession: Businessman with interests in transport and real estate
Shivaram Hebbar (Age: 68)
Political Career: Former Congress MLA from Yellapur; joined BJP in 2019 and served as Labour Minister under Yediyurappa and Bommai.
Past Roles: Began public life in 1983 as a member of Yellapur APMC.
Elections: Lost in 2008 (Congress); won in 2013 and 2018; re-elected in 2019 bypoll (BJP).
Recent Moves: Distanced from BJP post-2023; abstained from 2024 Rajya Sabha vote; campaigned for Congress in 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Assets (2023): Rs 21 crore
Background: Comes from an agricultural family.
Quote
It is an internal matter of BJP. Neither Somashekar nor Hebbar has raped anyone in Vidhana Soudha. They haven't conspired to inject AIDS virus to opposition leaders. BJP hasn't taken any action on those who tried to trap Yediyurappa. I thought their party would take action against those who have committed heinous crimes such as rape. Let BJP keep their 'Muttu Ratna' (pearl and gem) with them
DK Shiva Kumar | deputy CM
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